I took the ferry system in 1996. I would recomend it. However if you want to see the towns as the previous post named yo need to book passage going from 1 town to the next. Unlike a cruise line the ferry doesnt stop overnight in the ports. They only stop for an hour or 2 at most. So taking the ferry and spending a day or 2 in each town is how I did it. I would avoid Petersburg at all costs. That town is about the strangest place Ive ever been to. Skagway is the best town on the list along with Juneau. If you are so inclined you can also take the Kennicott to southcentral where the ferry links to the rest of the state. Remember the Alaska Marine Highway System is just that a HIGHWAY SYSTEM. Passenger fares and staterooms are not too expensive. The cost is in takeing a car on board with you. It caot me $800 to take my van from Haines to Prince Rupert, BC.